When I watched the preview show several weeks ago I was not over excited by the line up of celebrities even though I thought the couples had been partnered correctly.

I felt that the celebrities had been hand picked to gain viewing figures rather than creating dancers.

Yes, it is an entertainment show, but everyone will still vote for the best dancer in the final.

Maybe it is time to change the format slightly - maybe a team event or area event?

I would like to hear your views on this, tell me what you think.

Anyway, moaning done, back to business.

Friday

Holly Valance & Artem

Being the first couple to dance, especially on a new series, has to be most nerve-wracking even without elimination.

Holly has a good, long leg line but unfortunately lacked in energy and she was a little pigeon-toed.

Her overall performance value was good, but she is a performer.

I think they both have a lot of hard work to do but if they stay focussed and dedicated they will go along way.

From the preview show I thought they were going to be hard to beat but after last night's performance I am not so sure.

However, to score a six on week one from Craig must mean something.

Dann Lobb & Katya

Dan has a good strong lead and top line, his footwork needs a little work and so does his head line as there were times when he looked Thunderbirds-ish.

But I cannot believe that the Strictly Come Dancing park bench was out on week one!

Dan now needs to work on pulling his arms back to stop him stooping forward.

But overall a very good attempt.

Lulu & Brendan

A nice cheeky performance.

For me there was too much syncopation in which Lulu lost her timing and consequently it caused her to stumble in several places.

I would also like to have seen more hip action.

Simplify the content, Brendan. It is quality and not quantity.

Audley Harrison & Natalie

After the VT telling us that these two had only had three days to rehears together, because of other commitments, I was expecting a train wreck.

However, I now feel they need to be watched very closely.

Audley has really good shaping and strong leg lines and for someone so tall his musicality and fluidity was very good.

Robbie Savage & Ola

Hmmm, the choreography reminded me of someone who was the worse for wear at the end of the night and was trying to pull.

Knowing how light-footed Robbie should be, he sadly was not.

He did, however, have some strong arm lines but needs to put his pedal to the metal and up his game.

Anita Dobson & Robin

For me this was the surprise of the weekend and the best danced Waltz.

A very elegant, well-poised and polished routine, with great lines and musical interpretation, very well danced.

In places Anita out-danced Robin.

Russell Grant & Flavia

Well! It started like some kind of Priscilla Queen of the Desert remake, danced by David Hasselhoff’s father.

However, Russell did keep good timing and performance all the way through their routine which is difficult in itself.

By the second half I found myself starting to enjoy it.

Saturday

Harry Judd & Aliona

Harry has very good arm lines, his eye line could have been a little higher and I would have liked to see more hip action.

However, there was some good shaping, if a little slow in places.

Not a bad attempt.

Rory Bremner & Erin

To begin any routine solo in week one is very difficult and although Rory’s nerves were showing slightly, he has some really good lines.

His footwork was a little clumpy in places but he did not embarrass himself at all.

Alex Jones & James

Alex has a really nice hip action, a little more work is needed on her leg action, but what a little minx, full of personality.

A bit stagnant in places but I am sure we have only seen the top of the iceberg, I did feel that the judge’s scores were a bit hard.

Chelsee Healey & Pasha

Chelsee has very good, clean lines with a gorgeous top line, which normally takes years of experience to achieve.

She has good strong footwork and musicality, although a little wild in places.

She just needed to rein in to keep the control, little is always more.

But a very surprising Eliza Doolittle approach.

Edwina Currie & Vincent

A nice little ladies Cha Cha, with some good strong basic steps patterns, a lively performance full of passion.

Certainly not deserving of a two.

Nancy Dell’Olio & Anton

A very well-choreographed beginning to the routine to allow Anton to do all the work but unfortunately Nancy’s feather boa did not stay attached to her dress and was dragged around the floor with them.

Nancy is a very glamorous lady but was not allowed to show to her full potential.

Jason Donovan & Kristina

A great, lively performance which was to be expected from Jason although I did think his own dancing ability would have been better knowing his background.

He needs to work on his foot and hip action as he was flat footed in places.

He did rock the roof and I cannot wait to see their Ballroom, and to score 32 on your first dance is some mean treat to keep.